I really appreciate the lovely space and welcoming community they've created. I have noticed, though, that there seem to be fewer experienced teachers offering classic Hatha or Vinyasa classes than when I first joined. I enjoy other forms of movement and dance, but they aren't what I'm expecting when I schedule a yoga class, and it can be disappointing when the class description doesn't match the actual format. Wednesday night Vinyasa with Birdie is excellent, and I'm clearly not the only one who thinks so--her classes are often waitlisted. Would it be possible to offer more classes in that style, or more opportunities to practice with Birdie? read more

Sound bath with Laura was absolutely amazing!! Fantastic facility, and welcoming staff. Love it!

This yoga studio is very well organized and the teachers I have taken classes with were all very good.

Ive tried many studios around the city and this one has lots of authenticity. I love how there are a variety of classes and times and the people that come are friendly and no judgement. The vibe of community here is real and the teachers and owner of this studio are some of the most open hearted humans I know. I hope you come for a class you will not regret it!!!!! read more

"Cher, I don't want to do this anymore. And my buns? They don't feel nothin' like steel." - Tai Frasier, Clueless. I felt like Tai after taking my first class! I knew I was out of shape, but had no idea just how much. I needed help, and Yoga Refuge was waiting with open arms. The studio is set in a charming red-bricked building,built in the early 19th century. The inside has been updated to accompany the grand upstairs studio. South facing bay windows provide tons of natural light for the assortment of plants and patrons. A second floor location allows for privacy. I used to live near a yoga studio that was on ground floor and it never looked appealing to me. Laura was our warm, knowledgeable, and personable instructor. She shared her personal stories of physical triumphs, inspiring us along the way. Everything was extremely clean, mats and yoga accessories were provided. Parking was a challenge, the neighborhood is metered. We took a beginners class, and it was tough! I was sore afterwards but look forward to attending the full course, and making it a lifestyle. Namaste, bitches! read more

Yoga Refuge - Yoga Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Outstanding plant-filled space! So warm & inviting - the perfect place to reset your mind & body. It's nice to be able to forget about the hustle for awhile and take care of myself. Teachers are all super nice, Danielle's gentle class is absolutely amazing for my life worn body without feeling like I've run a marathon Her cues are very accommodating & mindful of each individual's limitations. Don't let anything hold you back from enjoying the practice of yoga. It's about showing up for yourself - not how flexible you may or may not be. Highly recommend!!! read more

Yoga Refuge is an amazing studio with superb staff, an array of classes and a friendly and diverse community of practitioners. I highly recommend it! read more

Best yoga studio in Portland! This studio offers a full schedule of classes which includes a variety of styles of yoga and are accessible to all levels of practice. The space is beautifully filled with thriving plants and sunlight. Classes are intimate and taught by kind and inspirational teachers. Can't recommend this studio enough! read more

I have a job that is basically all manual labor and I have been at it for over seven years. It takes a toll on the body and I've been trying to find ways to repair the damage I've done to myself so I can keep doing what I do. I've started with massage therapy and now I've taken to some yoga. Yoga Refuge is right in Montavilla and also happens to be the closest yoga studio to my home. It turned out that a woman I work with also goes here and she highly recommended the spot. When looking on the website I found a few classes that would work for a newbie like myself. Restorative, Hatha and Hatha Flow all seemed to be within my range of abilities and currently a 30 day trial for $39 is a good way to start. The teachers are friendly and prior to class ask if you have any injuries that might limit you from doing some positions. You can rent a mat, but I took a trip over to Target and got one fairly inexpensive. YR supplies all the other equipment that you may need during a class. I have done the three classes that I mentioned above and briefly Restorative is mainly about relaxation and as one other described it as a yoga nap. The class doesn't put too much stress on the body and it is a very mellow class. Hatha does a few more poses but it's also more of a stress free type class. The one that was a challenge for me was Hatha Flow and was the class I will be looking forward to again. It was more like a traditional yoga class and the poses forced me to use my balance quite a bit more and worked some of my aches and pains. Hopefully the combo of the three will help me get some more flexibility back so I can extend my current profession along. I will admit that the chanting part of the classes is a bit much for me, but otherwise, I'm enjoying my trial so far and I plan to go many more times and then I'll see what is available to make it more of a permanent fixture in my routine. Enjoy. read more

Loved this studio - beautiful space with sun squares from windows. Rachel is an excellent teacher. Just the right blend of vinyasa flow for the needs of the class. She helped challenge me but also led us all to listen to our bodies. I really enjoyed her approach. Also, it's next door to Celestial Awakenings and down the street from Maven - two of my favorite stores in PDX! What's not to like? read more

This place is a hidden gem. I live in the NE area and I've been "studio shopping" since I moved here. I've practiced and got certified in NYC and I moved here after a 2 yr detour through LA (hardest place to find an intimate genuine studio - ugh!). I am so happy to have found this cozy little studio in Montevilla. It is very very reminiscent of the studio I was certified at in NY. Immediately I felt connected to it. read more

I've been a member of Yoga Refuge for going on two years now and I simply cannot speak highly enough of the beautiful space, the marvelous instructors or the incredible owner (and teacher!) Kate. There are classes for everyone here, so whether you're looking to get your dynamic Vinyasa on, build a strong and graceful Hatha practice, smooth your body with deep Yin stretching or gently learn, restore or recover from injury, you always will have an option. The teachers are kind, profoundly knowledgeable and utterly supportive. Kate works with them to curate incredible seasonal workshops and regular opportunities to expand your practice both physically and emotionally. If you're still searching for your yoga home, this just may be it. read more

This sweet yoga studio is intimate, non-threatening, comfortable and relaxed. I am not a seasoned yogi and hate feeling like the dufus in the class. The teachers at Yoga Refuge take the time to get to know each person, encouraging every participant along the way, inviting questions and assisting when needed. Additionally, the teachers use the class to explain the health benefits and information on exactly what different positions are doing to your physiology. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the space for meditation and balance, but the learner in me loves to understand the moves and the health benefits, too. Beyond all that, there are classes for everyone...catered to all different life stages, health issues, interest. I think I'm in love. read more

I'm almost done with my 2 week unlimited trial ($25) and so far, I'm in love! Studio is very welcoming and not filled with stuck up "yoga types". They offer a variety of classes (gentle, vinyasa, mom/baby, hatha) and typically have a morning, afternoon, and evening class each day. Something for everyone. I enjoy the hatha classes as they cater to all levels and often allow some time to practice inversions. This class can be as relaxing or challenging as you make it. They have a few different types of memberships...I'll be doing the $90/month unlimited once my trial is up. read more

Supportive Nurturing environment. Heather Smith is a treasure and such an inspiration to all levels. Best Teacher! Glad to finally find a good fit. read more

I've had 2 pilates/yoga fusion classes with Anastasia Gimbill and I've really enjoyed them. She is going to help me get my posture back! The space is nice, up some stairs, off of SE Stark across from Academy Theater. Classes are affordable, the studio is clean and the equipment is new and in nice shape. A great spot to get the blood flowing on a rainy day... read more

Took advantage of their free firsttimer's class. Wonderful balance of movement and meditation. read more

I was visiting Portland last week and saw the great reviews on yelp so I decided to give it a try. I took a 7:30pm Yin class with Larkin and I was super impressed with the studio space, the class and of course Larkin. She was great and very welcoming. If I lived in Portland, I would make this my home studio for sure. read more

I've lived in the Montavilla neighborhood for a couple of years and just re-started my yoga practice after having a baby. I cannot give enough praise to this studio for offering affordable childcare in studio! It is challenging for most to find time to attend class, add a under school age child into the mix and forget about it. I got a 4 class a month package which makes the childcare only $5 a class. Not only that, there are no compromises made by me for this perk. The upstairs space is beautiful and most importantly, the teachers I've had have been top notch. I feel more relaxed the moment I walk in as well as an instant part of a community. They also have air conditioning for those crazy hot days. What a gem of the neighborhood! I love yoga and am so glad to be back in it. read more

Did a drop in class while in town, really nice studio in facilities, cleanliness and equipment available to rent. Had a wonderful vinyasa with Todd! read more

If you take a class with the extraordinary instructor, Sofia Belen, you will be one fortunate student. Took 2 and a half years of private instruction with her (after having many classes with many other instructors) and I feel very qualified to say, you will not find a better instructor than Sofia. Recommended highly with no reservation whatsoever. Truly great yoga instructor. read more

After about a month at this studio, I felt compelled to write another positive review of this studio and I've written very few reviews on Yelp in my life. The teachers and classes have been a lifesaver for me since I've ventured back into yoga after my car accident. I can't say enough good things about Anastasia's Hatha Flow on Mondays, Jasmine's Vinyasa Flow on Wednesdays, and Fawn's Alignment Flow on Fridays. I imagine all of the teachers are as experienced and lovely as these ones, but I have just gotten into my rhythm with these great teachers. A gorgeous studio to attend...even on a sunny Portland day! Check this studio out! read more

A very welcoming, beautiful space in a convenient location. Emily Light is a wonderful instructor who brings the heart of yoga to the class.

I am new to yoga and after a bad experience with Core Power in the NW, I decided to give this studio a try. They are close to where I live which is a big plus. They have a two week special for $25 and I jumped at the chance to try this new place. My first class was with Emily Light, she teaches on Wednesday and made me feel like I had been there forever, she corrected me when I was just a bit out of alignment and never made me feel like I didn't know what I was doing. The classes I've taken have been very welcoming and nice and I leave feeling motivated to come back. Thank you Yoga Refuge for a studio close to home, in a neighborhood I love, and for making my second attempt at yoga make me yearn for more. read more

I can't tell you how thrilled I am to have a yoga studio in our neighborhood of Montavilla! The space is lovely to practice in, beautiful hardwood floors, large windows allowing natural light to come into the space. The owner did a wonderful job. I have taken two classes with two different Teachers since they opened recently and I felt very comfortable with both of them. I can't wait to get back into another class!!! read more

I have been coming here for years and love it. All of the teachers are kind and wonderful. Beautiful space and very welcoming. So glad it is in the neighborhood. read more

This is by far my favorite yoga studio in town. There is a wonderful blend of classes with very skilled teachers. The owner Kate is an exceptional person and has forever impacted my relationship to yoga. read more

Yoga Refuge is true to its name. I've been a member for more than a year and am grateful there is a studio like this in the neighborhood where I can keep my body well toned and mind at rest. The yoga instructors are all amazing each with their own area of expertise. I always get so much out of the classes whether its working the kinks out or reminder to breath in the moment. read more

I have been a member of yoga refuge since they opened and would highly recommend them. It is a welcoming, beautiful space with a multitude of excellent teachers and classes. My favorite teachers currently there are Emily, Fawn and Kate, I would highly recommend any of their classes! read more

What a gorgeous studio with a really sweet vibe and skilled teachers. Can't wait to go back!!!

So excited this is right down the street from my new house! I've been in need of a studio closer to where I live for a while. This is a welcoming and beautiful studio with big plants and windows right on my favorite stretch of Stark in Montavilla. I arrived to find that my favorite instructor in Portland, Emily Light, was teaching my class! Bought a class pass immediately. Looking forward to getting all my SE friends to join! A little diamond in the rough... read more

This is a yoga studio in a really lovely upstairs space with lots of light. It's very comfortable and spacious. I've taken Tasha's 9:30 AM Monday class, and she is an excellent teacher, great at giving lots of options for poses so that students can find the ideal challenge for themselves. I am looking forward to taking more classes at this studio, and am so excited for a yoga studio further east in Portland! They also have a super affordable drop in rate. read more

My son and I have been taking the mama and baby yoga with Kate- we love it! It is a beautiful studio and Kate is very encouraging and kind. My son is a very busy crawler and Kate often engages with him while I try new poses. She does a good job making all the students feel at home. We leave every class feeling relaxed, happy, and with clear personal goals for the week. I highly recommend this yoga studio. read more

This is the studio and environment I've been looking for and I'm so grateful it's within walking/biking distance of our home. I've been bouncing around from class to class because the Refuge has such a wonderful mélange of offerings; a different style of class to fit my body & mind's capricious needs on any given day! How great is that?! read more

Yoga Refuge is creating a wonderful space where the teachers are able to add their own creative flair to each class. They are given the freedom to express themselves and add their own creativity to their teachings. Because of this I learn something new and unique each time I attend. Even if it's learning how to do a headstand or something as simple as learning a better way to do "downward dog" every class enhances my practice. I am so glad to be a part of this community and I have gotten so much from these classes! read more

I've never tried yoga before but I needed to find something that would get me moving but without impact on my two knee replacements. I saw a blurb about Yoga Refuge and noted it had great reviews, it was not too far from home and it had a beginner class. That fit the bill perfectly. I attended my first class last Saturday. It was fantastic! I loved it. With a few adjustments for kneeling, which kind of hurts the knee replacements, I had a whole lot of fun! Most of the class was comprised of newbies which was fun but the truth is you don't watch the other people after the class starts. The teachers helped all of us; checking poses, suggesting ways to improve but no negative comments. I walked out feeling energized and anxious to go back again. Bottom line- this place is fantastic! read more

I really like this place. They have a few great instructors who teach flow classes. I wish they had more classes. They price is great for the area. read more

I started going to Yoga Refuge approximately 2 months ago. I have private sessions with Kate and I attend classes. If you are new to yoga, I highly recommend the private sessions with Kate. Kate provides a well rounded approach to a yoga practice. In addition to the physical aspect of yoga, Kate also focuses on the spiritual side. After each session she will email you a homework session. I appreciate these written session notes as it allows me to go back and review each lesson with her. There are classes for all levels and the space is very intimate and not imtimidating. Yoga Refugee is conveniently located close to my home so I can walk to class. If you are a member you can store your mat there. read more

Beautiful space with really knowledgable teachers and a super sweet owner. They also offer daycare, which is such an awesome addition.

I am torn about this place. I really like the room for yoga. It's big, light filled, and the plants are nice. Here is my problem. I go to the studio to do the parent and child yoga class with 2.5 yr old and 1 yr old. The instruction was great and it was actually fun having my baby crawling on me and 2.5 yr old running crazy. If you advertise a class like this, though, the toys should be baby proof as should be the room. I couldn't just let my LO go around alone as there were cords everywhere. My friend's LO got a hold of a very small Lego helmet and almost choked. If the draw of the class is to be able to do yoga while kids roam free, it should be a carefully baby proofed atmosphere. I can't even go back for the yoga with child care because I am not comfortable with the kids room. Please make some changes so that we can enjoy the space and not worry. In the meantime, my search for a yoga program continues. read more